Do you feel sad after having a baby? Read this article

The door slowly opened. Shanika came in, looking down, carrying a small bag. Although it was a Tuesday afternoon, a normal day, I realized that it was not a normal day for Shanika.

“Hello Shanika, come in.” I said with a smile. She tried to smile too, but she was very tired, and her heart seemed heavy. Even though the Vihaga was in her hands, there was a great weight on her heart. She took a deep breath and sat down.

“ Dr. Priya , I thought I would be happy when I had the baby. But now I feel empty. Sometimes I even feel scared. I don’t know if something is wrong with me.

I nodded, as if to tell her not to be afraid. "Shanika, you are not alone. I will tell you what happened to you. Don't think it was your fault.

Baby Blues- When emotions run high

Many mothers, like Shanika, experience something called the “postnatal blues.” It’s also called the “ baby blues .” Shanika was looking at me with tears in her eyes. But she wanted to understand this.

“Shanika,” I told Himi, “what you’re feeling is very normal. This happens to many new mothers. After having a baby, your hormones change suddenly. Then, with the exhaustion, the sleepless nights, the responsibilities, it’s no wonder you’re having a hard time.”

He shook his head and bit his lip. “But I want to feel happy. The world is fine, and I have people to help me. But why do I feel sad?”

I approached her and said, “Baby blues come because your body is adjusting to changes. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby, or that you’re not a good mother. You are a good mother. These feelings come because of hormonal changes, because of the pressure you put on yourself.”

What happens when baby blues develop?

When you have the baby blues, you may feel sad and have a hard time concentrating. Sometimes you may feel angry or have a sudden urge to cry. You may also feel very tired and have trouble sleeping. You may also feel unsure about what you are doing. It is also common to have body aches, such as headaches. But don't worry, all of this will get better in a few days.

If the Baby Blues Don't Go Away- Diagnosing Postnatal Depression

But sometimes the baby blues don't go away. If those feelings last more than two weeks, or if they get worse, it could be postnatal depression . It's not just a feeling of sadness or sadness. It's something deeper. Like Shanika, you may feel hopeless and guilty. You may not be able to sleep, and you may feel tired all the time. But remember, it's not your fault, it's an illness. It can be treated.

What are the symptoms of postnatal depression?

• Feeling sad, hopeless
• Feeling tired all the time
• Not sleeping, or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Fear, anxiety, and constant worry
• Getting angry, getting angry for no reason
• Feeling like you're not a good mother

What do you need to do to get better?

If you want to get over postnatal depression, the first thing you need to do is talk about it. Talk to your partner, family, friends, and even a doctor. They can help you. You can also join a support group. It will help you realize that you are not alone.

Some tips for living with postnatal depression

• Get help . Let others do the housework, babysitting, etc. You don't have to do everything.
• Rest. When your baby sleeps, sleep too. Even a little rest will increase your energy.
• Be active . Go for a walk, get outside. Little things like that will make your mind happy.
• Talk to others . Go to a support group, or talk to a friend. It will help you take the pressure off your mind.
• Treat yourself well . You are learning, just like your baby.

What happens if you don't get help?

If left untreated, postnatal depression can affect not only you, but your baby and your entire family. It can make it difficult to bond with your baby, and it can disrupt your other relationships. But with help, everything will get better. You don't have to face this alone.

Let's join the Support Group.

Support groups are a safe place to share your story, learn new things, and realize that you're not alone. You can also get advice from other moms.

As Shanika was about to leave, there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “Thank you, Dr. Priya, I’m looking into going to a support group. I’ll talk to my husband tonight.”

“You are not alone, Shanika. This is a journey. But you have help everywhere. Remember that what you are doing is great.”

Postnatal depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to many women. There is help for it. If you are feeling sad or struggling, talk. Like Shanika, you too need help, you too need someone who understands, and you too have the right to be happy with your baby in the early days.

A new beginning in life

Shanika left the clinic that day with a new sense of hope. She knew she was not alone, that there were people there to help her. She also learned that postnatal depression is nothing to be ashamed of, it is an illness, and it can be treated.

If you're struggling with postnatal depression, remember that you're not alone. Get help, talk, and get your feelings out there. Then you can get through this difficult time and enjoy life with your family.

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